The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has issued a robust defence of police officers who responded to Sunday's deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach, forcefully rejecting witness claims that some 'froze' during the incident.
Premier and Police Commissioner Reject Criticism
During a press conference on Wednesday, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Minns addressed claims made by witness Shmulik Scuri. Mr Scuri, who was with his family when gunmen opened fire, stated that for approximately twenty minutes, four police officers at the scene did not return fire. "Nobody give fire back. Nothing. Like they froze," he said.
When questioned by a reporter about these claims, Commissioner Lanyon pointed to the disparity in firepower, stating bluntly: "They were confronted by two men armed with long arms. Our police at the scene were armed with pistols."
Premier Minns then stepped in to vehemently defend the officers' conduct. He emphasised that the police "engaged the gunmen on the footbridge with handguns" and "didn't take a backwards step." He credited them with saving many lives by killing one attacker and shooting the other.
Timeline of the Attack and Police Bravery
The attack, carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, targeted a Jewish gathering. Surf lifesaving camera footage indicates beachgoers began fleeing at 6:42pm, with police sirens already audible.
By 6:45pm, video shows gunfire was underway. At 6:48pm, separate footage captured 43-year-old civilian Ahmed al Ahmed wrestling Sajid Akram and seizing his weapon. Moments later, the first visible police gunfire appears, ricocheting near Naveed Akram.
Sajid Akram was shot by police sometime after 6:50pm, with the remaining gunman hit about a minute later, marking the likely end of the attack by 6:51pm.
Premier Minns provided graphic detail to counter any suggestion of inaction, revealing that two injured officers, Scott Dyson and Jack Hibbert, are in hospital in a serious but stable condition. "They weren't shot in the back as they were running away," Minns said. "They were shot in the front."
Aftermath and Call for Respect
The human cost of the attack is severe. Among the 15 victims were a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. A further 26 people were taken to Sydney hospitals, with 12 in a critical condition.
Premier Minns concluded his defence with a plea against a rush to judgment, calling such speculation "disrespectful" to the officers' actions. He praised police, some of whom had only been in the job for months, for putting their lives on the line.
"If there is any suggestion that New South Wales police didn't live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state it should be rejected because it is not consistent with the facts," the Premier stated.
